MLK HS, NYC -- In the lead up to this Game of the Week, much was made of the amount of firepower each side did or didn't have. What was erroneously overlooked was the defense. In a game that saw two one-man offensive explosions, from (G) Ren Hsieh to kick things off with 13 pts in the 1st qtr and HYP rookie (G) Samuel Jenkins with 14 pts in the 3rd, it was the defense that made the sealed this win for the underdog Hypebeasts.

With Hsieh (20 pts, 3 asts) rolling in the 1st half and a carousel of defenders unable to stay in front of him, the Quicks jumped out to an early 13-pt lead. (F) Shaun Young also chipped in 16 pts and rebs as everyone on the roster seemed to be feeding off the hot shooting. (more...)

Every week, FBNYC's panel of writers and staff will try to showcase what they predict to be the best or most interesting match-up of the week so you can all know which game to look for.

Hypebeasts vs. NYC Quicks | Saturday (2/13) 4:15pm @ MLK HS

KEY PLAYERS

I. Yu10.0 ppg4.0 rpg2.0 apg2.0 spg

A. Stewart12.0 pp8.0 rpg4.0 spg1.0 bpg

ANALYSIS: This is an interesting game of match-ups. Whereas HYP has the speed/athleticism advantage at the guard, QIK has it in the low-post. Who can take advantage of whom will ultimately dictate the outcome. Losing (F) James Li and so far without (F) Jason Wu, HYP is lacking the versatility and D that made them so deadly last season. But additions (G) Samuel Jenkins and (F) Mamadou Hanne certainly add athleticism.

For the Quicks, the addition (G) Ren Hsiehand the return of (G) "Vegas" Dave Wong means more firepower, which QIK needed in dry spots last season. These two can manufacture points. (F) Eugene Cleghorn has also shown a knack for scoring out in transition and from deep. Not to mention (F) Shaun Young seemingly shooting well again. The Quicks weakness is defense but the Hypebeasts offense is often inconsistent. If it's a shoot-out, something's gotta give. -- Kenny "The Jet" Li

Hypebeasts

GR

GR

NYC Quicks

Advantage

(G) Leon Chu

B

B

(G) Wilson Lew

Lew has slowed but is crafty and can still fill it up from deep. Chu has taken a backseat for Yu but can still make big plays on defense and on the offensive boards.

(G) Ian Yu

A+

B+

(G) Ren Hsieh

Based on last week's efficient 15 pts, Hsieh's shooting touch has returned and displays a fluidity and confidence he's lacked for awhile. Yu is the reigning MVP. 'Nuff said.

(F) Sam Jenkins

B+

B

(G) Kenneth Van

Jenkins showed signs of a big-time scorer in Week 1 but tapered off late. Van struggled to find a groove in QIK's first game but is very capable of big numbers.

(F) Dave Liu

B

A+

(F) Alex Stewart

Liu always does solid blue collar work. And, so does Stewart, except he adds a dynamic element that makes him one of the league's elite players.

(C) Howard Chu

B+

A

(C) Ezra Hoover

Chu may be the bulkiest center on the block and he has a deft touch around the basket. But, he may struggle with the lankier, more athletic Hoover.

BENCH

A

A

BENCH

If Chan and Wu show up, it may shift the HYP line-up, needless to say, whoever, it is, that's a solid bench. The Quicks are also very deep on offense. Young and Wong averaged 16 ppg and 19.4 ppg just two seasons ago.